Consumers Energy is working with lead contractor White Construction, which has started building access roads and will begin constructing concrete foundations within the next two weeks. White Construction was also the contractor for Consumers Energy’s Lake Winds Energy Park, located near Ludington, Mich.

Expected to begin commercial operations in January, Cross Winds Energy Park II will comprise 19 499-foot-tall turbines capable of generating up to 44 MW of power. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The project will help Consumers Energy meet the state’s new 15% renewable portfolio standard by 2021 and help the company achieve its proposed plan to help large businesses transition to 100% renewable energy.

Along with the first phase of Cross Winds, the 81-turbine facility is a $345 million investment. The two phases will be capable of producing 155 MW of energy, which is enough to serve about 60,000 residents, according to the utility.

In addition, Phase III plans have been approved by Columbia and Akron townships. The final phase of the park is expected to go into commercial operation in 2020.